City of God

Sara Miles writes with conviction, love and rootness. There is a disarming simplicity to the work of faith made alive on the streets and through this story of compelling ministry.

There is a genius line in the book: "I don't even know what 'this' is 'but I could do this forever.” That's the descriptor given to offering ashes to people in the neighbourhood of San Francisco.

It's about this public impact moment during a day, in 2012, with the anticipation, preparation and resulting patterns of ministry that resulted. Miles is inspirational when describing the beauty of the liturgy which made this possible in the local church. She is also adept at describing her city, her perspective and her neighbourhood. She loves her place, and is committed to it.

So this is not merely about the imposition of ashes, but a story of local mission. It is about the beauty of public liturgy and a world in need of "more forgiveness." There is inconvenience, theology and much provocation. Sara is a bit special and a gift to the kingdom of God.

Really worth the questions, boundaries and discomfort that this books asks of its readers.